Antigua Travel Tips
Things You Need to Know When Traveling to Antigua

Passports & immigration
We strongly recommend that all members of your party travel with a passport with a validity date of at least six months past the date of your departure from the island. For information on obtaining or renewing a passport you can visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/index.html. In our current times, passports are the most expeditious and reliable form of identification when traveling domestically or internationally.

Gratuities
Same as in the US; 10-15% depending on the service. We suggest 50 cents per bag for porters and bellhops, and taxi drivers 10-15% of the fare.

Telephones
Calling the US is easy from Antigua. Our resorts offer US Direct calling service, or can connect you with a US operator for calling home.

Departure taxes & service charges
Antigua has a US$20.00 airport departure tax, a room tax of 8.5% and a service charge of 10%.

Electricity
The resorts predominantly use 110V, the same as in the United States.

Appropriate attire
Elegantly casual. Beach attire is appropriate for the beach but not town, shops or restaurants. Some restaurants stipulate jackets and ties for men and dresses for women in the evening.

Time zone
Antigua is in the Atlantic Standard Time zone, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Time. Atlantic Standard Time is four hours behind GMT.

Currency
The official currency of Antigua is the Eastern Caribbean dollar which is fixed to the US dollar. A recent exchange rate was US$1.00 = EC$2.70. US currency, travelers checks and major credit cards are welcome everywhere.

Banking

• Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank
• Antigua and Barbuda Investment Bank
• Antigua Commercial Bank
• Bank of Antigua
• Bank of Nova Scotia
• First Caribbean International Bank, Ltd
• RBTT Bank, Ltd
• Royal Bank of Canada
• Swiss American National Bank of Antigua

Banking hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 1:00pm and again from 3:00pm to 5:00pm; Friday from 8:00am to 12:00pm, and 3:00pm to 5:00pm.

Medical facilities
There are several general practitioners and specialists on the island as well as a hospital and a private clinic. No vaccinations are required unless the visitor is arriving from an endemic area. Recompression chambers are available by air ambulance at nearby Saba and in St. Thomas. Pharmaceutical services are widely available.

Shopping hours
Monday thru Saturday 8:00am to noon and 1:00pm-5:00pm.

Personal safety
Antigua is relatively crime free, but exercise normal precautions; i.e. don’t leave valuables unattended in rental cars or on the beach.Place your valuables and travel documents in your room safe. Keep your guest room doors and windows locked, especially at night and when you are not in the room.